Two months ago, Facebook published a white paper that sought to address some of the key issues involved in making data portable between online services.

Now, Facebook has launched a tool to free media stored on the platform. The new image transfer tool will let users copy all their photos and videos from Facebook to Google Photos, and eventually other social networking sites.

“At Facebook, we believe that if you share data with one service, you should be able to move it to another. That’s the principle of data portability, which gives people control and choice while also encouraging innovation. Today, we’re releasing a tool that will enable Facebook users to transfer their Facebook photos and videos directly to other services, starting with Google Photos.” Facebook says in a blog post.

The data will be transferred using end-to-end encryption and requires a password to be entered on both sites. It’s part of the Data Transfer Project –  a common standard and protocol for end-users to take control of their data.

“This would allow you to connect with or follow those people elsewhere, so you could leave Facebook without losing touch with your friends. The increased threat of people ditching Facebook for competitors would create a much stronger incentive to protect users and society.”

Photo Transfer Tool is first available to users in Ireland. Facebook expects to roll out the Photo Transfer Tool worldwide in the first half of 2020.